Toy

ABSTRACT

An inflatable pool, beach or garden toy is described, the toy comprising an inflatable body; at least one valve disposed on the inflatable body; and a sound generator optionally comprising recorded media. Methods of manufacturing and inflatable pool, beach or garden toy are also described.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a buoyant toy for use in or near water.More particularly, this invention relates to an inflatable pool, beachor garden toy for use by children.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Pool, beach and garden toys are popular recreational devices and areprovided in a variety of sizes and shapes. The majority of such toyscomprise an inflatable body, inflatable to form a particular shape andadapted to aid the buoyancy of a user when in water.

Various pool toys and floats exist that incorporate Bluetooth technologyand one or more speakers for the playing of music. Usually such toys arein the shape of a tube, designed for use by adults, and featurewaterproof speakers equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing a userto play music through the speaker under the control of their smartphoneor other mobile device. Such toys typically make use of a communicationschip adapted to receive a signal from an external device, such as asmartphone or other mobile device. However, in order for music to beplayed through the speakers of such toys, a user must constantly controlthe selection of that music via their mobile device, for the continuousplaying of music. This requires a mobile device to be kept in closeproximity to the toy, and hence the water in which the toy is beingused, to facilitate local communication between the Bluetooth-equippedspeaker and the mobile device. This risks exposure of an often expensiveand non-waterproof mobile device to water and thus to damage. The riskof damage to the mobile device increases if a child is permitted tooperate the mobile device near the toy and thus near to the water.Accordingly, few if any pool or beach toys exist that incorporatespeakers and that are specifically designed for use by children.

There remains a need for an improved or alternative pool or beach toyfor use by children. There also remains a need for an improved oralternative pool or beach toy with interactive play features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that theprior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a pool, beachor garden toy. The present invention is directed to a pool, beach orgarden toy for children, and to a method of manufacture thereof.

In a broad form, the invention relates to an inflatable pool, beach orgarden toy comprising an inflatable body and a sound generator.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an inflatable pool, beachor garden toy comprising:

-   -   a. an inflatable body;    -   b. at least one valve disposed on the inflatable body; and    -   c. a sound generator.

The inflatable body may comprise a soft, flexible material adapted tohold a fluid, such as water, air or gas. The material may be selectedfrom the group comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Mylar®, Latex®,rubber, and polyurethane. The material may be selected from the groupcomprising transparent, semi-transparent, and non-transparent materials.

The inflatable body may be adapted to form the shape of an animal or afantasy animal when the inflatable body is inflated.

The inflatable body may be adapted to form the shape of an animal or afantasy animal selected from the group comprising a monkey, a crocodile,a pig, a duck, a dragon, a parrot, a seahorse, a pony, a unicorn, adinosaur, a hippopotamus, a turtle, a fish, and a mermaid.

The inflatable body may be in the shape of a tube with an extensionadapted to form the shape of a head or other body part of an animal whenthe inflatable body is inflated.

The extension may be adapted to form the shape of the head or other bodypart of an animal or a fantasy animal selected from the group comprisinga monkey, a crocodile, a pig, a duck, a dragon, a parrot, a seahorse, apony, a unicorn, a dinosaur, a hippopotamus, a turtle, a fish, and amermaid.

Alternatively, the inflatable body may be adapted to form the shape of avehicle, a fantasy vehicle, a machine, or machinery.

The inflatable body may be adapted to form the shape of a vehicle orfantasy vehicle selected from the group comprising emergency vehiclesincluding a fire engine, an ambulance and a police car, an aeroplane, aspaceship, a boat, a yacht, and a submarine.

The inflatable body may be adapted to form the shape of a machine, ormachinery selected from the group comprising a construction vehicle ormachinery including a bulldozer, a digging vehicle, an excavator, atractor, a truck, and a lorry.

The inflatable body may be in the shape of a baby seat with an extensionadapted to form the shape of a head of an animal, a vehicle, or amachine when the inflatable body is inflated. The baby seat may be inthe form of a drop-in seat with leg holes.

The inflatable body may further include one or more of a seat or saddle,and at least one handle.

The toy may be a ride-on toy.

In embodiments where the toy is a ride-on toy, the toy may be shaped anddimensioned to accommodate a single user.

Alternatively, the toy may be a ride-on toy and may be shaped anddimensioned to accommodate more than one user.

The toy may further comprise self-inflating apparatus.

The sound generator may comprise a speaker.

The sound generator may comprise the speaker and the recorded media.

The recorded media may comprise one or more pre-determined soundrecording or simulation.

The recorded media may comprise two or more pre-determined soundrecording or simulation.

The two or more pre-determined sound recording or simulation may becapable of being played in rotation, a randomised order, or apseudo-randomised order.

The sound generator may comprise a microcontroller.

The sound generator may further comprise a microchip.

The sound generator may further comprise a power source.

The sound generator may further comprise an actuating switch.

The sound generator may comprise:

-   -   a. a microcontroller;    -   b. a speaker; and    -   c. a power source.

The sound generator may comprise:

-   -   a. a microcontroller;    -   b. a speaker;    -   c. a power source; and    -   d. an actuating switch.

The sound generator may comprise:

-   -   a. a microcontroller;    -   b. a speaker;    -   c. a power source;    -   d. an actuating switch; and    -   e. a microchip.

The power source may be a battery. The power source may be a long-lifelithium battery. The battery may be charged by wireless charging.Alternatively, the battery may be charged by connection to a solarpanel.

The microchip may be selected from the group comprising a PeripheralInterface Controller (PIC), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), and a Chip on Board (COB).

The microchip may comprise one or more pre-determined sound recordingand/or sound simulation stored in a memory. The pre-determined soundrecording and/or sound simulation may be provided in recorded media,wherein the recorded media is operatively connected to the speaker, andnot under the control of any mobile device and/or any peripheral device.

The sound recordings may be a recording or simulation of animal soundsand may correlate with the shape of the inflatable body.

Alternatively, the sound recording may be a recording or simulation of avehicle and may correlate with the shape of the inflatable body.

As a further alternative, the sound recording may be a recording orsimulation of a machine or machinery and may correlate with the shape ofthe inflatable body.

The recorded media or microchip may comprise a library of soundrecordings. The library of sound recordings may comprise at least three,four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sound recordings.Preferably, the library of sound recordings comprises at least threesound recordings. More preferably, the library of sound recordingscomprises at least three different and/or distinct sound recordings.

The sound generator may be adapted to activate the output of sound fromthe library of sound recordings in a pre-determined sequence.

Alternatively, the sound generator may be adapted to activate the outputof sound from the library of sound recordings in a randomised order, ora pseudo-randomised order.

The recorded media or microchip may be incapable of receiving Rfsignals, such as WiFi or Bluetooth.

It will be appreciated that upon activation of the actuating switch, themicrocontroller outputs sound generation signals causing the soundrecording or sound simulation to play for a period of time. The soundrecording or sound simulation may play for a duration of between one (1)second and three (3) minutes; between one (1) second and one (1) minute;one (1) second and thirty (30) seconds; between ten (10) seconds andthirty (30) seconds; between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

In some embodiments, each sound recording or sound simulation may playfor a duration of between one (1) second and one (1) minute.

In other embodiments, each sound recording or sound simulation may playfor a duration of between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

In other embodiments, the sound recording or sound simulation may playfor a duration of about three (3) seconds. For example, the soundrecording or sound simulation may comprise the sound of a cow mooing ora pig oinking.

The microcontroller may be programmed to output pre-determined soundsignals from the microchip to the speaker. The microcontroller mayoutput pre-determined sound signals in response to the actuating switch.

The microcontroller may be further programmed to comprise an auto-stopto stop output of pre-determined sound signals from the microchip to thespeaker after a defined time-period.

The toy may further comprise a solar panel. The solar panel may beintegral with and/or operatively connected to the inflatable body.

It will be appreciated that the relatively short duration of the soundrecording or sound simulation due to the auto-stop programming of themicrocontroller assists in prolonging the life of the battery of thesound generator.

The actuating switch may be a push button switch. The push button switchmay be located on the inflatable body. The push button switch may belocated on at least one handle of the inflatable body. The push buttonswitch may be actuated by a user gripping the at least one handle.

Alternatively, the actuating switch may comprise a motion sensor. Themotion sensor switch may be actuated by a user mounting the ride-on toy,or being placed in the drop-in the seat with leg holes.

The toy may further comprise one or more LEDs in communication with thepower source.

In embodiments wherein the toy is in the shape of an animal having atleast one eye, the one or more LEDs may be disposed in the inflatablebody at a location corresponding to the at least one eye.

In embodiments where toy is in the shape of a vehicle having at leastone headlight, taillight, rooflight, or navigation light, the one ormore LED may be disposed in the inflatable body at a locationcorresponding to the at least one headlight, taillight, rooflight, ornavigation light.

The sound generator may be contained within a housing. The housing maybe waterproof. The housing may comprise the same material as that of theinflatable body.

The housing may be resistant to high air pressure when the toy isinflated. The housing may be heat sealed.

The housing may be attached to the interior of the inflatable body.

Alternatively, the housing may be attached to the exterior of theinflatable body.

The inflatable toy may be a flotation toy for use in water.

Alternatively, the inflatable toy may be freestanding when inflated andfor use out of the water.

The inflatable toy may further comprise at least one wall sealinglyconnected to at least one floor, the at least one wall and the at leastone floor between them defining a cavity within which fluid, such aswater, is receivable. When fluid is received in the cavity, the cavitymay define a pool.

The inflatable toy may further comprise a fluid distributor. The fluiddistributor may function as a sprinkler.

The fluid distributor may comprise at least one spraying nozzle in fluidcommunication with a flexible hose, the flexible hose connectable to afluid source.

The at least one spraying nozzle may be pivotally operable.

In embodiments in which the toy is in the shape of an animal with amouth, the fluid distributor may be located in the mouth and operablyspray fluid from the mouth.

In embodiments in which the toy is in the shape of a vehicle, such as afire truck with simulated hose equipment, the fluid distributor may belocated in the simulated hose equipment.

The inflatable toy may further comprise a canopy.

The canopy may be inflatable.

The canopy may be separate from the toy and attachable to the toy by wayof at least one canopy fastener.

The at least one canopy fastener may be disposed on the canopy and/or onthe toy. The at least one canopy fastener may comprise one or morepress-fit fasteners. Alternatively, the at least one canopy fastener maycomprise hook-and-loop fabric fasteners, such as Velcro®.

Alternatively, the canopy may be integral with the inflatable toy.

The canopy may be co-inflatable with the toy. Alternatively, the canopymay be independently inflatable.

In some embodiments, the toy comprises at least one wall sealinglyconnected to at least one floor, the at least one wall in the at leastone floor between them defining a cavity within which fluid isreceivable, the toy further comprising a canopy.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof manufacturing a toy according to the invention, wherein the methodincludes the steps of:

-   -   a. providing an inflatable body;    -   b. providing a housing for a sound generator;    -   c. inserting the sound generator into the housing; and    -   d. sealing the sound generator within the housing.

The step of sealing the sound generator within the housing may compriseheat sealing the sound generator within the housing.

The seal may be water resistant or waterproof. The seal may be waterproof to a depth of one, two, five, ten, twenty-five metres.

In some embodiments, the housing is made of the same material as thematerial of the inflatable body.

The method may further comprise the steps of providing at least one walland at least one floor; and sealingly connecting the at least one wallto the at least one floor, thereby defining a cavity within which fluidis receivable.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a fluiddistributor, the fluid distributor comprising at least one sprayingnozzle in fluid communication with a flexible hose, the flexible hoseconnectable to a fluid source.

The at least one spraying nozzle may be pivotally operable.

In embodiments in which the toys in the shape of an animal having amouth, the fluid distributed may be located in the mouth.

In embodiments in which the toys in the shape of a vehicle or machinewith simulated hose equipment, the fluid distributor may be located inthe simulated hose equipment.

The method may further comprise a step of providing a canopy.

The canopy may be separate from the toy.

In embodiments where the method comprises the step of providing a canopythat is separate from the toy, the method may further comprise the stepof providing at least one canopy fastener for attaching the canopy tothe toy.

The at least one canopy fastener may comprise one or more press-fitfasteners. Alternatively, the at least one canopy fastener may comprisehook-and-loop fabric fasteners, such as Velcro.

In embodiments where the method comprises the steps of providing acanopy that is separate from the toy and providing at least one canopyfastener for attaching the canopy to the toy, the method may furthercomprise a step of locating the at least one canopy fastener on thecanopy and/or on the toy.

Alternatively, the canopy may be integral with the toy.

The canopy may be co-inflatable with the toy. Alternatively, the canopymay be independently inflatable.

Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put intopractical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereinlike reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings areprovided by way of example only, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating one embodiment of a toyaccording to the invention, wherein the inflatable body is in the shapeof a crocodile, the sound generator generates crocodile sounds, and theactuating switch comprises a motion sensor.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toyaccording to the invention for use by children, wherein the inflatablebody is in the shape of a dinosaur (2A); a polar bear (2B), a sloth(2C), a flamingo (2D); a hippopotamus (2E), an otter (2F); and a narwhal(2G).

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toyaccording to the invention for use by younger children and/or toddlers,wherein the inflatable body is a tube with a head in the shape of ananimal or a fantasy animal; a pirate parrot (3A); a kangaroo (3B), apony (3C), a unicorn (3D); a pelican (3E), a sea horse (3F); a dragon(3G); a llama (3H); and a shark (31I).

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toyaccording to the invention for use by babies, optionally with a drop-inseat with the leg holes, wherein the inflatable body is in the shape ofa baby seat with a head in the shape of a duck (4A); a dinosaur (4B), apig (4C), and a unicorn (4D), a monkey (4E), a crocodile (4F), and anelephant (4G).

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of the typical toyaccording to the invention for use by babies, optionally with a drop-inseat with a leg holes wherein the inflatable body is in the shape of avehicle or fantasy vehicle; a fire engine (5A); a spaceship (5B), and apolice car (5C).

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toyaccording to the invention wherein the toy is in the form of a ride-ontoy and is for use by more than one user, wherein the inflatable body isin the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal: a hippopotamus (6A), adinosaur (6B), a dragon (6C), and a unicorn (6D).

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toyaccording to the invention wherein the toy comprises a fluid distributoroperable as a sprinkler, wherein the inflatable body is in the shape ofan animal or a fantasy animal: a Tyrannosaurus rex (7A), a brontosaurus(7B), and a unicorn (7C).

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating several embodiments of a typical toyaccording to the invention wherein the toy comprises a cavity operablydefining a pool and a canopy, wherein the inflatable body comprisesextensions in the shape of the head or other body part of an animal or afantasy animal: a mermaid's tail (8A), a turtle (8B), and a unicorn(8C).

FIG. 9 shows a pair of photographs illustrating an embodiment of themethod of manufacturing a toy according to the invention, showing thehousing before the sound generator is inserted (9A) and after the soundgenerator is heat-sealed in the housing (9B).

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a typical toy ofthe invention.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements inthe drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding ofembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pool, beach or gardentoy which may be used by children. Other embodiments of the presentinvention relate to a method of manufacture of a pool, beach or gardentoy for use by children. The present invention is of significantadvantage because it has interactive play features in the form of soundsthat may be actuated by a child, in the absence of a mobile deviceand/or a peripheral device which sounds are automatically switched offafter a pre-determined duration.

The present invention is directed to an inflatable pool or beach toy 10comprising an inflatable body 12; at least one valve 14 (not shown)disposed on the inflatable body 12; and a sound generator 16.

In some embodiments, the toy 10 is a ride-on toy. In some embodiments,the ride-on toy is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a single user.Such embodiments may be large relative to a child and typically between70 cm and 80 cm in length, and between about 70 cm and 90 cm in width.Typical dimensions are as follows: 72 cm×78 cm; 72 cm×84 cm; and 72cm×86 cm.

In other embodiments, the right-on toy 10 is shaped and dimensioned toaccommodate more than one user. Such embodiments may be large andtypically between 150 cm and 180 cm in length, between about 140 cm and160 cm in width and between about 80 cm and 120 cm in height. Typicaldimensions are as follows: 158 cm×138 cm×110 cm; 165.1 cm×96.52 cm×88.9cm; 158 cm×138 cm×110 cm; or 175 cm×96.52 cm×88.9 cm.

In some embodiments, the toy 10 is in the form of a flotation toy foruse in water.

The inflatable body 12 is made from a soft, flexible material adapted tohold fluid, such as water, air or gas. The flexible material may bepolyvinyl chloride (PVC), Mylar@, Latex®, rubber, or polyurethane. Thematerial may be transparent, semi-transparent, or non-transparentmaterial.

The inflatable body 12 further includes one or more of a seat or saddle18, and at least one handle 20.

In one embodiment, the toy 10 is a ride-on toy comprising an inflatablebody 12 made from PVC that is non-transparent, the inflatable body 12including a seat and at least one handle 20, wherein the inflatable body12 is adapted to form the shape of a crocodile when inflated. FIG. 1shows a schematic drawing of such an embodiment.

In some embodiments, the toy 10 further comprises self-inflatingapparatus 22 and/or a solar panel 31 (not shown). The solar panel 31 maybe integral with, or operatively connected to the inflatable body 12 andconnected to the sound generator 16.

The sound generator 16 comprises: a microcontroller 24; a microchip 26;a speaker 28; a power source 30; and an actuating switch 32.

In most embodiments, the power source 30 is a battery, such as along-life lithium battery.

The battery may be charged by wireless charging. Alternatively, thebattery may be connected to and charged by a solar panel 31 (not shown).

The microchip 26 may be a Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC), anApplication-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Chip on Board(COB).

The recorded media or microchip 26 comprises one or more pre-determinedsound recording and/or sound simulation 34 stored in a memory. Thepre-determined sound recordings and/or sound simulations 34 are providedin recorded media, wherein the recorded media is operatively connectedto the speaker 28, and not under the control of any mobile device and/orany peripheral device. The sound recording 34 is a recording orsimulation of an animal sound and typically correlates with the shape ofthe inflatable body 12. The recorded media or microchip 26 is typicallyincapable of receiving Rf signals, such as WiFi and Bluetooth.

In some embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shapeof an animal or fantasy animal when inflated. In such embodiments, theinflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of an animal or afantasy animal selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, amonkey, a crocodile, a pig, a duck, a dragon, a parrot, a sea horse, apony, a unicorn, a dinosaur, a hippopotamus, a turtle, a fish, and amermaid.

Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 2, wherein the inflatablebody 12 is in the shape of a dinosaur (2A); a polar bear (2B), a sloth(2C), a flamingo (2D), a hippopotamus (2E), and otter (2F), or a narwhal(2G). Such embodiments are typically for use by children. Typicaldimensions of such embodiments are about 70 cm to 80 cm in length andbetween about 70 cm and 90 cm in width.

In alternative embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is in the shape ofthe tube with an extension adapted to form the shape of the head orother body part of an animal when the inflatable body 12 is inflated.The extension of such embodiments is adapted to form the shape of thehead or other body part of an animal or a fantasy animal selected fromthe group comprising a monkey, a crocodile, a pig, a duck, a dragon, aparrot, a sea horse, a pony, a unicorn, a dinosaur, a hippopotamus, aturtle, a fish, and a mermaid.

Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 3, wherein the inflatablebody 12 is in the shape of a tube with an extension forming the shape ofa pirate parrot (3A), a kangaroo (3B), a pony (3C), a unicorn (3D), apelican (3E), a sea horse (3F), a dragon (3G), a llama (3H), and a shark(31). Such embodiments are typically for use by younger children ortoddlers. Such embodiments are typically between about 100 cm and 140 cmin diameter, preferably about 120 cm in diameter.

In still other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the inflatable body 12is in the shape of a baby seat with a head in the shape of a duck (4A),a dinosaur (4B), a pig (4C), a unicorn (4D), a monkey (4E), a crocodile(4F), and an elephant (4G). The baby seat is typically in the form of adrop-in seat with leg holes.

In further alternative embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is adapted toform the shape of the vehicle, a fantasy vehicle, a machine ormachinery. Such embodiments include an inflatable body 12 adapted fromthe shape of a vehicle or fantasy vehicle selected from the groupcomprising emergency vehicles including a fire engine, an ambulance, apolice car, an aeroplane, a spaceship, a boat, a yacht, and a submarine.

Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 5, wherein the inflatablebody 12 is in the shape of a vehicle or fantasy vehicle such as a fireengine (5A), a spaceship (5B), or a police car (5C).

In further alternative embodiments, the inflatable body 12 is adapted toform the shape of a machine, or machinery, selected from the groupcomprising, but not limited to, construction vehicles or machinery (notshown) such as a bulldozer, a digging vehicle, an excavator, a tractor,a truck, and a lorry.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the toy 10 is in the form of aride-on toy and is for use by more than one user, wherein the inflatablebody 12 is in the shape of an animal or a fantasy animal such as ahippopotamus (6A), a dinosaur (6B), a dragon (6C), and a unicorn (6D).

As shown in FIG. 1, in use a user activates the actuating switch 32 andthe microcontroller 24 responds by the output of sound generationsignals (not shown) that cause the sound recording or sound simulation34 to play for a period of time. The sound recording or sound simulationtypically plays for a duration of between one (1) second and three (3)minutes; between one (1) second and one (1) minute; one (1) second andthirty (30) seconds; between ten (10) seconds and thirty (30) seconds;between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

In some embodiments, each sound recording or sound simulation plays fora duration of between one (1) second and one (1) minute.

In other embodiments, each sound recording or sound simulation plays fora duration of between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

In other embodiments, in which the sound recording or sound simulationcomprises the sound of a cow mooing or a pig oinking, the soundrecording or sound simulation 34 plays for a duration of about three (3)seconds.

In one embodiment, the sound recording or sound simulation 34 plays fora duration of between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) seconds.

In further embodiments, wherein the inflatable body 12 is adapted toform the shape of a crocodile when inflated, the sound recording 34 is arecording or simulation of crocodile sounds.

Further embodiments, wherein the inflatable body 12 is adapted to formthe shape of a vehicle, the sound recording 34 is a recording orsimulation of a respective corresponding vehicle. For example, when theinflatable body 12 is adapted to form the shape of a boat, the soundrecording 34 is a recording or simulation of a boat sound.

In some embodiments, the recorded media or microchip comprises a library35 of sound recordings 34, the library 35 of sound recordings 34comprising at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten ormore sound recordings 34. In preferable embodiments, the library 35 ofsound recordings 34, comprises at least three sound recordings 34.

In embodiments comprising a lively 35 of sound recordings 34, the soundgenerator 16 is adapted to activate the output of sound from the library35 of sound recordings 34 in a pre-determined sequence.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the sound generator 16 is adaptedto activate the output of sound from the library 35 of sound recordings34 in a randomised order or a pseudo-randomised order.

The microcontroller 24 is further programmed to comprise an auto-stop36. After a pre-determined time period from activation of the actuatingswitch 32, the microcontroller 24 stops output of the pre-determinedsound signals (not shown), thereby causing the sound recording or soundsimulation 34 to cease playing.

In some embodiments, the actuating switch 32 is a push button 38,located on the inflatable body 12, typically on at least one handle 20of the inflatable body 12. In these embodiments, the push button switch38 is actuated by a user gripping the at least one handle 20.

In other embodiments, the actuating switch 32 comprises a motion sensor40. In these embodiments, the motion sensor switch 40 is actuated by auser mounting the ride-on toy.

The toy 10 may further comprise one or more LED 42 in communication withthe power source 30, wherein when the toy 10 is in the shape of ananimal, the one or more LED 42 is disposed in the inflatable body 12 ata location corresponding to the at least one eye of the shape of theanimal.

In embodiments wherein the toy 10 is in the shape of a vehicle having atleast one headlight 41 (not shown), or taillight, or rooflight, ornavigation light, the one or more LED 42 is disposed in the inflatablebody 12 at a location corresponding to the at least one headlight, tolight, rooflight, or navigation light.

The sound generator 16 is contained within a housing 44. The housing 44is typically the same material as that of the inflatable body 12 and istypically waterproof. The housing 44 may be resistant to high fluidpressure, such as high air pressure or high water pressure, when the toy10 is inflated.

In some embodiments, the housing 44 is heat sealed and is attached tothe interior of the inflatable body 12.

In other embodiments, the housing 44 is heat sealed and is attached tothe exterior of the inflatable body 12.

In such embodiments, the seal is typically water resistant or waterproof. Preferably the seal is water proof to a depth of one, two, five,ten, twenty-five metres.

In other embodiments, the toy 10 is freestanding for use out of thewater.

In some freestanding embodiments for use out of the water, the toy 10further comprises a fluid distributor 46, operable as a sprinkler. Thefluid distributor 46 comprises at least one spraying nozzle 48 in fluidcommunication with a flexible hose 50, the flexible hose 50 connectableto a fluid source 52.

The at least one spring nozzle 48 is optionally pivotally operable.

Examples of such embodiments were in the toy 10 further comprises afluid distributor 46, operable as a sprinkler, as shown in FIG. 7,wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of an animal or a fantasyanimal such as a Tyrannosaurus Rex (7A), a brontosaurus (7B), and aunicorn (7C). The fluid distributor 46 is typically located in the mouth54 of an animal, in embodiments were in the inflatable body 12 is in theshape of an animal with a mouth 54. Such embodiments are typically about180 cm to about 190 cm in length, about 160 cm to about 210 cm in width,and about 80 cm to 110 cm in height, for example 185 cm×192 cm×82 cm;183 cm×167 cm×102 cm; and 180 cm×202 cm×88 cm. In other embodiments,wherein the inflatable body 12 is in the shape of a vehicle havingsimulated hose equipment 56 (not shown), the fluid distributor islocated in the simulated hose equipment 56.

In other freestanding embodiments for use out of the water, the toy 10further comprises at least one wall 58 sealingly connected to at leastone floor 60, the at least one wall 58 and the at least one floor 60between them defining a cavity 62. Fluid, such as water, is receivablein the cavity which, when water is received in the cavity 62, defines apool.

Such embodiments optionally further comprise a canopy 64 which isinflatable. Such embodiments are typically about 140 cm to about 160 cmin length, about 120 cm to about 150 cm in width, and about 100 cm to130 cm in height. For example, such embodiments may comprise thefollowing dimensions: 150 cm×140 cm×125 cm.

Optionally, the canopy 64 is separate from the toy 10 and attachable tothe toy 10 by way of at least one canopy faster 66 disposed on thecanopy 64 and/or the toy 10. The at least one canopy faster 64 typicallycomprises one or more press-fit fasteners or hook-and-loop fabricfasteners, such as Velcro®.

In alternative embodiments, the canopy 64 is integral with theinflatable toy 10. The canopy 54 may be co-inflatable with the toy 10.Alternatively, the canopy 64 may be independently inflatable.

In some embodiments, the toy 10 comprises at least one wall 58 sealinglyconnected to at least one floor 60, the at least one wall 58 and the atleast one floor 60 between them defining a cavity 62 within which fluidis receivable, the toy further comprising a canopy 64.

Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIG. 8, wherein the toy 10comprises a cavity 62 operably to defining a pool and a canopy 64,wherein the inflatable body 12 comprises extensions in the shape of thehead or other body part of an animal or a fantasy animal such as amermaid's tail (8A), a turtle (8B), and a unicorn (8C).

As shown in FIG. 10, the toy 10 is typically manufactured according to amethod 300 which includes the steps of: providing 302 an inflatable body12; providing 304 a housing for the sound generator 16; inserting 306the sound generator 16 into the housing; and sealing 308 the soundgenerator 16 within the housing 44. In preferred embodiments, the soundgenerator 16 is heat sealed within the housing 44. FIG. 9A shows thehousing 44 before the sound generator 16 is inserted and FIG. 9B showsthe housing 44 after the sound generator 16 is heat-sealed in thehousing (B).

In some embodiments of the method 300, the method 300 further comprisesthe step of providing 310 at least one wall 58 and at least one floor60; and sealingly connecting 312 the at least one wall 58 to the atleast one floor 60, thereby defining a cavity 62 within which fluid isreceivable.

In a further embodiment of the method 300, the method 300 furthercomprises the step of providing 314 a fluid distributor 46, wherein thefluid distributor 46 comprises at least one spring nozzle 48 in fluidcommunication with a flexible hose 50, the flexible hose connectable toa fluid source 52.

The at least one spraying nozzle 48 may be pivotally operable.

In embodiments in which the toy 10 is in the shape of an animal with amouth, the fluid distributor 46 is located in the mouth.

In embodiments in which the toy 10 is in the shape of a vehicle ormachine with simulated hose equipment 56, the fluid distributor 46 islocated in the simulated hose equipment 56.

In some embodiments of the method 300, the method 300 further comprisesthe step of providing 316 a canopy 64.

The canopy may be separate from the toy 10.

In embodiments where in the method 300 comprises the step of providing316 a canopy 64 that is separate from the toy 10, the method 300 furthercomprises the step of providing 318 at least one canopy fastener 66 forattaching the canopy 64 to the toy 10.

The at least one canopy fastener 66 typically comprises one or morepress-fit fasteners. Alternatively, the at least one canopy fastenercomprises hook-and-loop fabric fasteners, such as Velcro.

In embodiments where the method 300 comprises the steps of providing 316a canopy 64, wherein the canopy is separate from the toy 10 andproviding 318 at least one canopy fastener 66 for attaching the canopy64 to the toy 10, the method 300 further comprises the step of locating320 the at least one canopy fastener 66 to the canopy and/or to the toy10.

Advantageously, the toy of the invention comprises an auto-stopprogrammed into the microcontroller which facilitates a relatively shortduration of the sound recording or sound simulation. This assists inprolonging the life of the battery of the sound generator. The prolongedlife of the battery assists in prolonging the life of the toy and allowsthe sound generator to be permanently sealed, such as by way ofheat-sealing, within the housing such that it is not necessary for auser to replace the battery. Such permanent heat-sealing of the housingfacilitates the inexpensive production of a waterproof compartment forthe sound generation means and accordingly reduces costs of large-scaleproduction of the toy.

A further advantage of the invention is that the recorded media isoperatively connected with the speaker and not under the control of anymobile device and/or any peripheral device. This allows a child ormovement to activate the actuating switch without the need for a mobiledevice and/or any peripheral device and decreases the risk of waterdamage to such expensive items.

In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similarterms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that anapparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include thoseelements solely but may well include other elements not listed.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the inventionwithout limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specificcollection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realizevariations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fallwithin the scope of the invention.

1. An inflatable pool, beach or garden toy comprising: a. an inflatablebody; b. at least one valve disposed on the inflatable body; and c. asound generator.
 2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the soundgenerator comprises a speaker and a recorded media, optionally whereinthe recorded media comprises one or more pre-determined sound recordingor simulation.
 3. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the recordedmedia comprises three or more pre-determined sound recording orsimulation, optionally different or distinct from one another,optionally capable of being played in rotation, a randomised order, or apseudo-randomised order.
 4. The toy according to claim 1, wherein thesound generator comprises: a. a microcontroller; b. a speaker; c. apower source; d. optionally an actuating switch; and e. optionally amicrochip, wherein the microchip comprises the recorded media whichoptionally comprises the one or more pre-determined sound recordingand/or sound simulation, wherein the recorded media is operativelyconnected to the speaker, and not under the control of any mobile deviceand/or any peripheral device.
 5. The toy according to claim 4, whereinthe microchip is incapable of receiving outside signals.
 6. The toyaccording to claim 4, wherein the sound recording or sound simulationplays for a duration of between one (1) minute and three (3) minutes;between ten (10) seconds and one (1) minute; between ten (10) secondsand thirty (30) seconds; or between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25)seconds.
 7. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bodycomprises a soft, flexible material adapted to hold fluid, optionallywater, air or gas, optionally wherein the inflatable body is adapted toform the shape of an animal, a vehicle, or a machine, when theinflatable body is inflated, and wherein the inflatable body optionallyfurther includes one or more of a seat or saddle, at least one handleand a canopy.
 8. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the toy is aflotation toy.
 9. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the toy is afree-standing toy.
 10. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the soundrecording is a recording or simulation of an animal sound and correlateswith the shape of the inflatable body.
 11. The toy according to claim 4,wherein the microcontroller sends output pre-determined sound signals inresponse to the actuating switch, optionally wherein the microcontrolleris programmed to comprise an auto-stop to stop output of thepre-determined sound signals from the microchip to the speaker after adefined time period.
 12. The toy according to claim 4, wherein themicrochip comprises a library of sound recordings, the librarycomprising at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten ormore sound recording, optionally wherein the sound recordings aredifferent or distinct from one another.
 13. The toy according to claim12, wherein the sound generator activates the output of sound from thelibrary of sound recordings in a pre-determined sequence, optionally inrotation.
 14. The toy according to claim 12, wherein the sound generatoractivates the output of sound from the library or sound recordings in arandomised order or a pseudo-randomised order, optionally in rotation.15. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the sound generator iscontained within a housing, optionally wherein the housing iswaterproof.
 16. The toy according to claim 1, further comprising a fluiddistributor operable as a sprinkler, the fluid distributor comprising atleast one spraying nozzle in fluid communication with a flexible hose,the flexible hose connectable to a fluid source.
 17. The toy accordingto claim 1, further comprising at least one wall sealingly connected toat least one floor, the at least one wall and the at least one floorbetween them defining a cavity within which fluid is receivable.
 18. Thetoy according to claim 1, wherein the toy is a ride-on toy.
 19. A methodof manufacturing a toy according to claim 1, wherein the method includesthe steps of: a. providing an inflatable body; b. providing a housingfor the sound generator; c. inserting the sound generator into thehousing; d. sealing the sound generator within the housing, optionallywherein the sealing is heat-sealing, optionally wherein the seal iswater resistant or waterproof; and e. optionally providing a canopy.